High-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provide a high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system comprising a lens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plate, and a second magnet set. With this system, a solar cell on the solar cell platform can be moved to a focus position of the sunlight passed through lenses of the lens set for collecting solar energy without moving heavy lenses, so as to reduce power consumption and to improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell. Moreover, the sunlight that is not collected by the lenses yet can be collected by the plate with holes and optical fibers for other applications such as an illumination to improve the utilizing efficiency of the solar energy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a high-efficiency array type focusingsolar tracking system, in particular to a solar tracker used fortracking solar heat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solar generation is a typical green energy source with many advantages.Solar energy is safe, reliable, free of noises, non-polluting, and canbe generated wherever it is needed, and solar generation consumes nofuels and involves no mechanical parts, and thus it has the advantagesof a low failure rate and a convenient maintenance. In addition, a solargeneration system is an unattended system, whose scale can be adjustedflexibly and the solar generation system can also be combined with aconstruction or building conveniently. All these advantages areincomparable by regular power generation or other power generationmethods. The application of solar energy is a perfect solution for ourcontinuous development of energy sources. Countries including Japan,U.S.A, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Austria,England, and Canada have established their solar photovoltaicdevelopment plans and expected to gain a competitive edge in theresearches and applications of the new green energy.

Compared with the fixed solar generation system, researches indicatedthat the solar tracking electricity generation system has an effectivesunlight time greater than the effective sunlight time of the fixedsolar generation system, and thus the solar tracking system is usedextensively in artificial satellites or laboratories to enhance systemefficiency and minimize the purchase of equipments effectively.

At present, a solar tracking system generally adopts a design ofsupporting a solar panel by a support stand and rotating the solar paneldirectly. If a lens for collecting light is added to such design, thelens is generally turned together with a solar cell. There are varioussolar tracking systems, such as a system using a large mirror to reflectsunlight, a spring solar tracking system and an airbag solar tracking,or even a system with a design of using a shape memory alloy to align asolar cell towards the sun. In general, a solar tracking system using amotor comes with a larger volume, consumes more power, and requires ahuge space for tracking sunlight, and thus making the moving,transportation and installation of the solar tracking system moredifficult. If the design with the motor is not adopted, then thetracking speed may be slower or the tracking position cannot be achievedtimely due to the limitations of related mechanical components.

With reference to U.S. Pat. Publication No. 20070193620A1 entitled“Solar collecting and tracking system”, the tracking system comprises asolar collector made of a metal with good thermal conduction and surfacereflection for reflecting incident light to the bottom of a receiver anddissipating the heat produced by the receiver; a transparent mantle,including a transparent window and a lens for collecting light, whereinwhen the solar collector is not facing the sun, the transparent windowis provided for entering diffused lights into the collector, such thatthe receiver can obtain energy whenever the solar collector is notfacing the sun, and the energy collected is stored into the solar cellinstalled at the bottom of the collector or absorbed by components witha similar function. In the energy storage operation, the solarcollectors including optical sensors, motors, transmission mechanismsand control elements are assembled, so that the solar tracking systemcan determine the sun position and use the motor and the transmissionmechanism to rotate the solar collectors at their axes in order toachieve the solar tracking effect.

With reference to U.S. Pat. Publication No. 20070215199A1 entitled“Solar collecting system”, the tracker comprises a solar cell array, aframe, a base, a pivotal stand and first and second braking devices. Thesolar cell array is installed on the frame for collecting solar energy.The base and the frame are connected by a pivot, and this pivot definesthe elevation and depression of the solar cell array. The pivotal standand the frame are connected by a pivot, and this pivot defines anazimuth movement of the solar cell array. The first braking devicecontrols the elevation and depression of the solar cell array, and thesecond braking device controls the azimuth movement of the solar cellarray, such that the solar tracker can be switched between an elevatedposition and a temporary retained position. Therefore, these two solartrackers are capable of standing extreme weather.

An application of a solar cell generally emphasizes on the improvedefficiency of electricity generation and the reduction of powerconsumption. Therefore, finding an effective solar tracking system thatreduces the system weight, minimizes the power loss and improves theelectricity generation of the solar cell demands immediate attentionsand feasible solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the shortcomings of the conventional solar tracking system,the inventor of the present invention based on years of experience inthe related industry to conduct extensive researches and experiments,and finally developed a high-efficiency array type focusing solartracking system in accordance with the present invention, in hope ofachieving the effects of collecting solar energies without moving aheavy lens, reducing power consumptions, and enhancing the electricitygeneration of a solar cell.

Therefore, it is a primary objective of the present invention to providea high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system that uses alens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plateand a second magnet set to move a solar cell on the solar cell platformto the sunlight and effectively collect solar energy by focusing thesunlight at a focus position through the lens set without the need ofmoving a heavy lens, so as to achieve the effects of reducing powerconsumption and enhance the electricity generation of the solar cell.

To achieve the foregoing objective, the present invention discloses ahigh-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system, comprising: alens set, having a plurality of lenses which are Fresnel lenses; a solarcell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of opticalsensors and a first magnet set installed thereon, wherein the solarcells are used for collecting solar energy and converting solar energyinto electric energy, and the optical sensors are used for sensingsunlight focused at a focus position after passing through the lenses; atrack set, having a track disposed separately on both sides of the trackset, wherein the solar cell platform is installed in the track set andrestricted by the track, and the lens set is installed at a positioncorresponding to the solar cells and at the top of the track set; adriving device, for driving the solar cell platform to move the solarcell installed on the solar cell platform to the focus position; aplate, installed at the bottom of the track set; a second magnet set,corresponding to the first magnet set and installed at the plate, formaintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.

Compared with the structure of the prior art, the high-efficiency arraytype focusing solar tracking system in accordance with the presentinvention can achieve the effects of reducing power consumption andenhancing the electricity generation of the solar cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanism used for simulating theoperation of the sun in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph of a focusing path of a Fresnel lens in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusingsolar tracking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a solar cell platform in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of installing a solar cell platform with atrack set in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of driving device, a lens set, a track setand a solar cell platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a high-efficiency array type focusingsolar tracking system in accordance with another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a construction material in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Firstly, a software program is used to simulate a focusing path of aFresnel lens under the sun, and a path formed in a V-shaped curve isfound, and a mechanism used for simulating the operation of the sun asshown in FIG. 1 verifies the focus of a Fresnel lens. If the sun S movesfrom east to west on a track T in the simulated operation of the sun,the focus will shift from west to east accordingly to form the focusingpath of the lens as shown in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 3 for a schematic view of a high-efficiency arraytype focusing solar tracking system in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the high-efficiency array typefocusing solar tracking system comprises a lens set 10, a solar cellplatform 12, a track set 14, a driving device 16, a plate 18 and asecond magnet set 20. The lens set 10 includes a plurality of lensesinstalled and arranged into an array, and the lens set 10 is installedat the top of the track set 14.

With reference to FIG. 4 for a schematic view of a solar cell platformin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thesolar cell platform 12 includes a plurality of solar cells 12 a, aplurality of optical sensors 12 b and a first magnet set 12 c installedthereon, and the solar cells 12 a are used for collecting solar energyand converting the solar energy into electric energy, and the opticalsensors 12 b is used for sensing sunlight that passes through a focusposition after passing through the lenses.

With reference to FIG. 5 for a schematic view of installing a solar cellplatform with a track set in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the track set 14 includes a track disposedseparately on both sides of the track set, wherein the solar cellplatform 12 is installed in the track set 14 and restricted by thetrack, and the lens set 10 is installed at a position corresponding tothe solar cells and at the top of the track set.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the driving device 16 is used fordriving the solar cell platform 12 to move the solar cell 12 a installedon the solar to the focus position. The plate 18 is installed at thebottom of the track set 14. The second magnet set 20 corresponding tothe first magnet set 12 c is installed at the plate 18, such that themagnets on both sides of the first magnet set 12 c can attract or repelthe corresponding magnets on both sides of the second magnet set 20 tomaintain an equilibrium of the solar cell platform 12.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lenses areFresnel lenses, and the path of the track is a focusing path formed bypassing the sunlight through the Fresnel lenses and focusing thesunlight at a focus position, and the path is a V-shaped curve.

With reference to FIG. 6 for a schematic view of driving device, a lensset, a track set and a solar cell platform in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving device 16includes a motor 16 a and a contractible pipe 16 b, and the motor 16 ais connected to an end of the contractible pipe 16 b, and another end ofthe contractible pipe 16 b is passed through the track of the track set14 and connected to the solar cell platform 12, and the motor 16 arotates the contractible pipe 16 b and drives the solar cell platform 12to move a solar cell installed on the solar cell platform to the focusposition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell 12 ais a GaAs cell.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solar cellplatform 12, the track set 14 and the plate 18 are made of acrylic toachieve the lightweight purpose.

With reference to FIG. 7 for a schematic view of a high-efficiency arraytype focusing solar tracking system in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention, the plate 18 includes a pluralityof holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the optical fiber isinstalled into each hole for collecting a light that is not focused bythe lens.

With reference to FIG. 8 for a schematic view of a construction materialin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theconstruction material 2 is a transparent material, and thehigh-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system 1 is installedinside the construction material 2 and applied for providing a solarenergy source to a building or construction.

In summation of the description above, the present invention provides afeasible design and complies with patent application requirements, andthus is duly filed for patent application. The present invention uses alens set, a solar cell platform, a track set, a driving device, a plateand a second magnet set to move a solar cell of the solar cell platformto a focus position of the sunlight passing through the Fresnel lens tocollect solar energy effectively without the need of moving heavy lens,so as to achieve the effects of reducing power consumption and enhancingthe electricity generation of the solar cell. In addition, the platewith the plurality of holes and the plurality of optical fibers is usedfor collecting lights that are not focused by the lenses and using suchlights for other illumination applications, so as to further improve theusing efficiency of the solar energy. Obviously, the invention is usefulin the related industry, and the products derived from the presentinvention can meet the current market requirements.

While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments,numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention set forth in the claims.

1. A high-efficiency array type focusing solar tracking system,comprising: a lens set, having a plurality of lenses; a solar cellplatform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of opticalsensors and a first magnet set installed on the solar cell platform, andthe solar cells being used for collecting solar energy and convertingthe solar energy into electric energy, and the optical sensors beingused for detecting a focus position of sunlight passed through thelenses; a track set, having track disposed individually on both sides ofthe track set, and the solar cell platform being installed in the trackset, and restricted by the track, and the lens set being installed atthe top of the track set and corresponding to the solar cells; a drivingdevice, for driving the solar cell platform to move solar cells thereonto the focus position; a plate, installed under the track set; and asecond magnet set, installed on the plate and corresponding to the firstmagnet set, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lens is a Fresnel lens.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein a path of the track is a focusing path formedby passing sunlight through the Fresnel lens and focusing the sunlightat a focus position.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the drivingdevice comprises a motor and a contractible pipe, and the motor isconnected to an end of the contractible pipe, and another end of thecontractible pipe is passed through a track of the track set andconnected to the solar cell platform.
 5. The system of claim 3, whereinthe driving device comprises a motor and a contractible pipe, and themotor is connected to an end of the contractible pipe, and another endof the contractible pipe is passed through a track of the track set andconnected to the solar cell platform.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe solar cell platform, the track set, and the plate are made ofacrylic.
 7. The system of claim 3, wherein the solar cell platform, thetrack set, and the plate are made of acrylic.
 8. The system of claim 5,wherein the solar cell platform, the track set, and the plate are madeof acrylic.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plate includes aplurality of holes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the pluralityof optical fibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectivelyfor collecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet. 10.The system of claim 3, wherein the plate includes a plurality of holesand a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibersare installed in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting alight that has not been focused by the lens yet.
 11. The system of claim5, wherein the plate the plate comprises a plurality of holes and aplurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers areinstalled in the plurality of holes respectively for collecting a lightthat has not been focused by the lens yet.
 12. The system of claim 8,wherein the plate comprises a plurality of holes and a plurality ofoptical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are installed in theplurality of holes respectively for collecting a light that has not beenfocused by the lens yet.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the solarcells are GaAs cells.
 14. The system of claim 3, wherein the solar cellsare GaAs cells.
 15. The system of claim 5, wherein the solar cells areGaAs cells.
 16. The system of claim 8, wherein the solar cells are GaAscells.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the solar cells are GaAscells.
 18. A construction material, made of a transparent material,which comprises a high-efficiency array type focusing solar trackingsystem located therein, wherein the system further comprises a lens set,having a plurality of lenses; a solar cell platform, having a pluralityof solar cells, a plurality of optical sensors and a first magnet setinstalled on the solar cell platform, and the solar cells being used forcollecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electricenergy, and the optical sensors being used for detecting a focusposition of sunlight passed through the lenses; a track set, havingtrack disposed individually on both sides of the track set, and thesolar cell platform being installed in the track set, and restricted bythe track, and the lens set being installed at the top of the track setand corresponding to the solar cells; a driving device, for driving thesolar cell platform to move solar cells thereon to the focus position; aplate, installed under the track set; and a second magnet set, installedon the plate and corresponding to the first magnet set, for maintainingan equilibrium of the solar cell platform.
 19. A construction material,made of a transparent material, which comprises a high-efficiency arraytype focusing solar tracking system located therein, wherein the systemfurther comprises a lens set, having a plurality of Fresnel lenses; asolar cell platform, having a plurality of solar cells, a plurality ofoptical sensors and a first magnet set installed on the solar cellplatform, and the solar cells being used for collecting solar energy andconverting the solar energy into electric energy, and the opticalsensors being used for detecting a focus position of sunlight passedthrough the Fresnel lenses; a track set, having track disposedindividually on both sides of the track set, and the solar cell platformbeing installed in the track set, and restricted by the track, and thelens set being installed at the top of the track set and correspondingto the solar cells, wherein a path of the track is a focusing pathformed by passing sunlight through the Fresnel lens and focusing thesunlight at a focus position; a driving device, for driving the solarcell platform to move solar cells thereon to the focus position, whereinthe driving device further comprises a motor and a contractible pipe,and the motor is connected to an end of the contractible pipe, andanother end of the contractible pipe is passed through a track of thetrack set and connected to the solar cell platform; a plate, installedunder the track set, wherein the solar cell platform, the track set, andthe plate are made of acrylic, and the plate comprises a plurality ofholes and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of opticalfibers are installed in the plurality of holes respectively forcollecting a light that has not been focused by the lens yet; and asecond magnet set, installed on the plate and corresponding to the firstmagnet set, for maintaining an equilibrium of the solar cell platform.